Our launch message 2020-12-09:
Our history
In 2017 sex workers in Sweden started Fuckförbundet. Since then, the organisation has grown to provide daily peer-to-peer support to more than 130 sex workers. By amplifying the voices of sex workers we have challenged the Swedish Model and the stigma against sex workers in the Swedish and international debate.
The members have hosted an international conference, created and exhibited art, written a report and marched for our rights at Pride. Above all, we have been an organisation where sex workers have come together, shared our stories, supported each other, and not only advocated for, but created change.
The fight for the rights of sex workers hasn’t been easy and we have learned a lot along the way. We will never give up this struggle!
Our future
Unfortunately, as the organisation grew, it became apparent that there were some conflicting views and opinions about things like organisational structuring and focus that we weren’t able to resolve within the community.
Consequently a new organisation has been born, with a strengthened structure, reinforced anti racist and democratic values and a continued urge to fight for sex workers rights.
We have been working towards this since summer and we are proud of the resilience and hard work of our members. We are also thankful for the support and expert advice we have been given from both allies in Sweden and sex worker organisations from all over the world.
Our name
After a long debate, the final vote for our new name took place on December 9th and today we proudly present ourselves to the world:
We are Red Umbrella Sweden.
The Red Umbrella has been the worldwide symbol of the sex workers’ rights movement since 2001. Red is the colour of love and has long been connected to sex work. The umbrella symbolises shelter, community and protection from stigma and abuse.
Our future cooperation with you
Red Umbrella Sweden are looking forward to working with you. Together we can create a future where sex workers’ human rights are respected, in Sweden and internationally!